Las Vegas to Hoover Dam Day Trip
Visiting southern Nevada? A day trip from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam is the perfect way to add some historical (and awe-inspiring) variety to your time in the Silver State. See how to get from Hoover Dam to Las Vegas—and vice versa—whether you’re coming from the Arizona side, the Nevada side, or anywhere along the Nevada-Arizona border. Wherever you start from or end up, this engineering marvel along the Colorado River is well worth the effort.
How Far Is Hoover Dam from Las Vegas?
Where is Hoover Dam? It’s found southeast of Las Vegas in the southern corner of the state. The distance from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam is approximately 36 miles, and the drive takes roughly 35 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Getting to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
Most travelers driving to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas take U.S. Highway 93 south to Boulder City. Once you’re in Boulder City, continue eastward on Highway 93 for about 8 miles to reach the dam. Other options for taking a day trip to Hoover Dam include bus tours, shuttle services, rafting and kayaking excursions, and even helicopters.
Make sure you have a confirmed transportation plan for getting to and from Hoover Dam, too. Rideshare and taxi companies may be willing to drop you off at the landmark, but it’s much harder to secure a ride back to Las Vegas or Boulder City without prior arrangement.
What to See at Hoover Dam
Give yourself plenty of time to experience everything Hoover Dam has to offer. The dam is only the beginning!
- Drive or walk across Hoover Dam: The top of Hoover Dam is no longer open for thru-traffic, but you can still make a loop on foot or by car. Start on the Nevada side, walk or drive across the top of the dam, then turn around and return to where you began. All vehicles must go through a security checkpoint before crossing Hoover Dam.
- Walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge: One of the most popular ways to see Hoover Dam is to feel its mighty power beneath you as you walk across it. This bridge rises nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River and spans 1,060 feet, allowing for incredible photo opportunities.
- Winged Figures of the Republic: These 30-foot bronze statues welcome visitors to Hoover Dam. Don’t miss the chance to rub the toes of the sculptures—many say it brings good luck!
- Hoover Dam Visitor Center: Consider this your starting point for all things Hoover Dam. In addition to housing exhibits, artifacts, and a rooftop observation deck, the visitor center is where you can buy official Hoover Dam tour tickets. You’ll have two tour options: a 30-minute Guided Powerplant Tour or a 60-minute Guided Dam Tour. Tickets are sold online for the Guided Powerplant Tour, but you’ll have to pick up first come, first served tickets in person for the Guided Dam Tour.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Hoover Dam Visitor Center and Hoover Dam’s website are the only authorized ticket sellers for Hoover Dam tours.
- Boulder City: On your way to or from Hoover Dam, plan a pit stop in the adventure-packed town of Boulder City. The Boulder City / Hoover Dam Museum features fascinating dam history, while the Nevada State Railroad Museum offers train rides and larger-than-life exhibits. Dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation await if you decide to stay the night.
- Lake Mead: The spectacular Lake Mead National Recreation Area features more than 750 miles of shoreline for fun along deep canyons, steep cliffs, colorful rock formations, and dry washes. Kayaking, rafting, boating, swimming, and hiking are all great recreation options here.
